She is one of two Democrats besides Schatz believed to be considering a run but deflected on Monday when asked if she was interested. 

“I am focused on one thing right now, and that is taking on Donald Trump and gaining a better economy for the people of this country,” she told the Washington Examiner. 

Schatz, the top deputy on Durbin’s whip team, has taken the opposite approach. Schatz moved quickly to consolidate support following Durbin’s announcement and on Monday launched his bid.

Many Democrats are so far staying neutral, but at least three rank-and-file senators — Sens. Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) — are backing him. 

Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), a close friend and the No. 4 Senate Democrat, also offered Schatz a preemptive endorsement on Friday.

Klobuchar called the early jockeying premature in a brief interview given the internal election won’t be held for 19 months — shortly after the November elections in 2026.

“I truly believe that talking about something a year and a half from now, and we have no idea who is going to win the Senate, who’s going to get this, is a mistake,” Klobuchar said.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) made a similar argument while praising, but not endorsing, Schatz.

“I like Brian Schatz very much. I certainly don’t want the job, but we’ve got a year and a half to work all this out. Plenty of time. No rush,” said Warren, another member of the Democratic leadership team.

Other Democrats said they still need to consult with their caucus and the possible contenders before they form an opinion.

The third possible candidate for whip, Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), has not yet revealed her intentions. She stepped back from leadership two years ago but remains a powerful presence in the Senate as the top Democratic appropriator. 

Klobuchar, for her part, was elected chairwoman of the Steering and Policy Committee, the No. 3 post in Democratic leadership, in December but could also have aspirations of higher office. 

She ran for president in 2020, making a strong showing in the New Hampshire primary and Democratic debates.

On Monday, Schatz defended his decision to run so soon after Durbin’s announcement.

“I wouldn’t make a good whip if I didn’t get started as soon as the opening occurred,” he told Punchbowl News. “I certainly believe it is within every senator’s right to take their time.”

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Other members of leadership, including Durbin and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), are staying publicly neutral.

“I don’t plan on doing that. I won’t be voting in that election,” Durbin said of endorsing a successor for whip.

Durbin has not, however, ruled out an endorsement in what is expected to be a crowded Illinois primary for his Senate seat.